相对 (xiāngduì)

相对 means relative or comparative, describing something that exists or is true in relation to something else rather than in absolute terms.

Meanings

[adjective] relative; comparative; not absolute
[adverb] relatively; comparatively; in comparison

Example Sentences

这道题相对比较简单。 Zhè dào tí xiāngduì bǐjiào jiǎndān. This question is relatively simple.

相对于大城市，小城市的生活压力更小。 Xiāngduì yú dà chéngshì, xiǎo chéngshì de shēnghuó yālì gèng xiǎo. Compared to big cities, small cities have less life pressure.

成功是相对的，每个人的定义不同。 Chénggōng shì xiāngduì de, měi gè rén de dìngyì bùtóng. Success is relative; each person defines it differently.

这里的气候相对温和，适合居住。 Zhèlǐ de qìhòu xiāngduì wēnhé, shìhé jūzhù. The climate here is relatively mild and suitable for living.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
相对来说	relatively speaking
相对于	compared to; relative to
相对稳定	relatively stable
相对简单	relatively simple

Usage Notes

相对 is the opposite of 绝对 (absolute). The phrase 相对来说 (relatively speaking) and 相对于 (compared to) are very useful connectors in analytical writing. At B1 level it is important for making nuanced comparisons rather than absolute statements.

Memory Hook

相 means "mutual/face each other" and 对 means "facing/opposite": 相对 is things facing each other, always defined by their relation to one another.